Wonderful cruise but lack of communication and information was disappointing

Item: Norwegian Joy
Rating: 4
Author: JoanandJohnAL

Norwegian Joy Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

JoanandJohnAL

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 92

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

16 Night Panama Canal (Los Angeles To Miami)

Sail date: October 11, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Joy

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Although there was some aggravating moments overall we had a great time and would recommend this cruise.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

Checking in at port was seamless. However, the transport from LAX to port arranged by NCL was a disaster. NCL rep at luggage claim had a listed of passengers but was not in any order. She had to search page after page till she found our name. Once checked in had to wait over 2 hours for the bus to arrive. Driver had to load everyone’s baggage under the bus which took a long time. No organization as everyone was pushing to get their luggage loaded and get a seat on the bus which filled quickly and people had to wait until another bus arrived. Once at the port had to wait on the bus another 30 minutes while waiting for other buses to unload and for the driver (not the porters that we’re just standing there until the bags were unloaded). Very unorganized and frustrating and not a good way to start a cruise.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Food at all free venues was very good. Cagneys Steak was disappointing and costly has is priced separately. Did enjoy the designated dinning for breakfast and lunch for those in the concierge cabins.

Observation Lounge

3 out of 5

Great for viewing the Panama Canal and relaxing . Did not appreciate folks placing items on the loungers and then not use them

Cagney's Steakhouse

2 out of 5

Too pricey and not as good other specialty dining on other ships

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Water slides, race track, and games were fun. Pools were too small for a warm weather cruise for a ship this size but still enjoyable.

Aqua Park

5 out of 5

The slides were a blast and the lines were never too long

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Production shows (Footloose and Elements) were awesome. Comedians we OK. Overall there was always good entertainment somewhere around the ship. Piano players in the District was very entertaining and got the audience involved.

Race Track

5 out of 5

Totally went beyond my expectations. Was great fun

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The staff for the most part were friendly and eager to make sure your needs were met. Albert the bar waiter was outstanding and from day one knew our names and our drinks of choice. If you run into him tell him John 7&7 sends his regards.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Spotless and the staff were consistently keeping it that way. As large as this ship is it was easy to find your way around.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Cabin was spacious with plenty of storage. Only issue is that NCL is still working on the concierge perks. As we never saw our rep.

Ship tip

Book shows and comedy acts before or as soon as you get onboard. This ship operates on reservation bases.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

1 out of 5

Totally disaster getting from LAX to port.

Thumbs Up 0

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

3 out of 5

All excursions were cancelled due to storm that went though the night before. Stores were flooded and muddy. Took a local tour and made the best of it.

Thumbs Up 0

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

4 out of 5

Port was very nice and the Walmart across the street came in handy. Mexican Lunch was fun and would recommend.

Thumbs Up 0

Mazatlan, Mexico

4 out of 5

Took a tram to terminal area that offered lots of shopping. Took the Seria Modray country tour and was very enjoyable.

Thumbs Up 0

Acapulco, Mexico

3 out of 5

Cliff divers were amazing. Fort San Diago was very interesting and educational.

Thumbs Up 0

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

4 out of 5

Beautiful country

Thumbs Up 0

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5

Totally awesome experience.

Thumbs Up 0

Oranjestad, Aruba

4 out of 5

Took the snorkel and beach excursion and it was great. Plentiful shopping.

Thumbs Up 0

Miami, Florida

1 out of 5

Diembarkatio was a disaster

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

The worst I ever expected on a cruise. Lack of clear guidance on how to disembark. Staff around the ship gave conflicting directions. Almost missed our flight arranged by NCL because it took so long to get off the ship. Had to take a cab in order to make our flight as the line for NCL bus transportation line was once again long and unorganized.

Traveler Photos

6 Comments

daviszoo1 4 years ago

I called NCL about the long wait for their transport buses from airport to dock. She said normally the wait is not longer than 45 minutes but “a couple of months ago there was a huge celebration in LA and the drivers had lots of trouble trying to find a route to get to and from the airport. It caused a lot of problems because almost all access from the port to the airport was blocked”. Perhaps this accounts for your horrible wait and the driver stopping to ask for directions. I’m so sorry you had such delays. I’m using them on the 15th and will comment if this problem is still occurring.

Thumbs Up 0

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ajoker31 5 years ago

Glad you still enjoyed your time.

Thumbs Up 0

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njanders26 5 years ago

I’ll be doing a Panama Canal cruise from Miami to LA this coming Friday. I’m hoping the ports will be worth it with all the changes!

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Shh813 5 years ago

Hope your next cruise will be better. Cruising is the best vacation ever 🛳🏝

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freehawk 5 years ago

Thanks for the candid review. Glad you enjoyed yourself despite mishaps.

Thumbs Up 1

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Cruiserike0322 5 years ago

Fantastic

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Ship's Initial Panama Canal Transit